Science Director - National Geosequestration Laboratory

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The National Geosequestration Laboratory (NGL) Science Director is a 75% (0.75 full-time equivalent) position, however, a separate linked 25% research role may be negotiated if the preferred candidate is seeking a full-time role. The NGL is a $48 million infrastructure project which will create a national facility to aid the rapid deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies. The Laboratory will facilitate the conduct of research and development on subsurface locations for storage activities.

The Science Director will report to the WA:ERA (WA Energy Research Alliance) Board through the WA:ERA CEO and will be the principal science planner and coordinator of research for the NGL, which is being progressively established over the next couple of years. The successful candidate will work collaboratively by chairing the NGL Technical Committee and the NGL Science Committee, and by participating in a range of other governance, operational and research committees incorporating members from the three WA:ERA partners, as well as key external collaborators and stakeholders.

You will work closely with the NGL Operations Manager to maximise the utilisation of the NGL facilities with the aim of producing world class science outcomes from a range of projects. These projects will be in support of the South West Hub National Research Flagship, other Flagships, geosequestration activities, plus associated research, education and training. You will also work closely with the CSIRO NGL Project Director to ensure that the implementation and establishment of the NGL occurs in a manner that best enables the future operating outcomes required by the WA:ERA Board.

Specifically you will:

• draft the annual NGL Science Business Plan;
• prepare agendas and papers for, and chair, the NGL Technical and Science Committees;
• assist the WA:ERA CEO to prepare information required by the WA:ERA Board;
• assist the CSIRO NGL Project Director with NGL implementation;
• coordinate specific research proposals and construct programs associated with the South-West Hub;
• review NGL utilisation from a science perspective and work closely with the NGL Operations Manager;
• liaise and engage with potential research partners.

Location:    Kensington (Perth) Western Australia
Salary:        $142K - $178K plus up to 15.4% superannuation
Tenure:       Initial 18 month term (possibility of extension to 30 June, 2017)
Ref No.:       WA12/00932

To be considered you will have a qualifications in science, engineering or related disciplines, preferably at PhD level, with a demonstrated national and international research publication and professional reputation in geosequestration or a related field or fields.

You will also have:

• high level competence to collaborate with and influence senior research, government, industry and other stakeholders to develop, monitor and modify strategic and annual plans that achieve essential targets and ambitious long term goals;
• the capacity to operate effectively as part of a senior management team within the context of an unincorporated joint venture and relevant CSIRO administrative structures;
• highly developed oral and written communication skills and a well-demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts and project opportunities to a range of audiences including universities and other research bodies, industry, government and the community;
• highly developed self management and demonstrated personal competencies relevant to a senior science leadership role including problem solving and judgment, collaboration and independence, and adaptability and resilience.

Australia is founding its future on science and innovation. Its national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), is a powerhouse of ideas, technologies and skills for building prosperity, growth, health and sustainability. It serves governments, industries, business and communities.